10 Best Things to Do in Harrison, Arizona

Harrison, Arizona welcomes visitors with a vibrant blend of down-home southern hospitality, traditional Ozark heritage, and contemporary attractions that are fun for the whole family. There are places to go shopping, explore the outdoors, see unique natural sites, and wonderful places to dine on authentic southern cuisine. Some of the more exciting attractions that you’ll find in Harrison include Buffalo National River Park, Mystic Caverns, the Collier Homestead, and the Boone County Heritage Museum, where you will see exhibits that depict Harrison’s earliest settlers and the colonization of the land. While you’re there be sure to try some of the handcrafted breads at Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Cafe or a perfectly-grilled steak at Western Sizzlin.

» Buffalo National River Park

Buffalo National River Park was established in 1972 and has one of the few undammed rivers which remain in the United States. Cruise through the Ozark Mountains as you journey from flowing rapids to serene pools. You can spend your time in the park hiking the many trails, floating down the river, or camping on the expansive grounds. Something that many other parks don’t offer is the opportunity to explore the park after the sun sets so that you can see the dark, star-lit skies. While you’re there be sure to stop by and explore the many historic homesteads and structures scattered there.

» Mystic Caverns

Mystic Caverns offers a once-in-a-lifetime caving adventure that will take you through the path which the first settlers traveled through. Your experienced guide will tell you all sorts of historic facts and interesting tidbits about the sights and structures that you will come across. The large calcite formations fill the underground chamber and have several spectacular formations such as the thirty-foot-tall ‘Pipe Organ’. There are also some rare calcite formations such as helictites and spherical stalactites. Guided tours start every 40 minutes so be sure to bring your camera along for the trip to take some amazing photographs.

» The Collier Homestead at Tyler Bend

The Collier Homestead at Tyler Bend is a beautiful sight which you can see from the River Overlook Trail. There’s a lot of history behind the site: the Colliers were one of the last families to acquire land under the 1862 Homestead Act. They moved to Arkansas from Kentucky and built a three-room house with numerous outbuildings. They planted over 40 acres in the surrounding area, making themselves self-sustaining on the unclaimed slopes and ridges. The re-discovered and restored structure is a wonderful way to see the architecture of past buildings from Arkansas’ past.

» Boone County Heritage Museum

Explore the wonderful and unique history of Harrison, Arkansas and the Ozark Mountains at the Boone County Heritage Museum. Visitors will be able to see several exhibits which depict the area’s earliest settlers and how the forefathers colonized the land. You’ll be able to browse the ‘war room’ which houses many artifacts related to the role Arkansas soldiers and Boone County played in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. It’s a fun way to spend the day and will capture the interests of visitors young and old as each room has something different for you to see and learn about.

» Lyric Theater

Let your creativity run wild at Harrison’s Lyric Theater, which was originally built as the area’s first movie theater in 1929. The unique venue has an intimate design that lets their guests really immerse themselves with the many plays, concerts, workshops, and performances that are held there. Some of the events that have been held there include the Battle of the Bands, performances by two-time Grammy winner Laurence Juber, the theater production of Play On!, and the HAL Figure Drawing Workshop. If you’re in Harrison for an extended period of time you may want to consider volunteering to support the local arts.

» Rust, Dust & Wanderlust

Rust, Dust & Wanderlust is one of Harrison’s premier antique and consignment shops. The 23,000 square feet of space is filled with booths and vendors which sell a number of goods, from electronics and clothing to toys and home decor. You’ll love walking aisle after aisle of products which are wonderful for the entire family. Everyone from kids to the elderly will be sure to find something gorgeous for themselves, their friends, or their houses. The selection of antiques that you’ll come across come from all over the world and have such rich and unique histories. Services such as shipping and delivery may be available in certain instances.

» Peaceful Massage

Peaceful Massage is a wonderful establishment in Harrison that is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Richard and Marcie. They have several services and treatments for people to enjoy, with one of their popular options being the couple’s massage since it is done in the same room at the same time. Other services that you can enjoy there include facials, glycolic peels, prenatal and postpartum massages, and cold stone therapy for migraine headaches. It’s such a relaxing way to spend the day and they’re more than happy to accommodate solo visitors, couples, and groups of friends.

» Neighbor's Mill Bakery & Cafe

Break bread with neighbors and friends at Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Cafe, which is renowned in Harrison for their American Hearth breads which are made from scratch. They offer over twenty-five varieties of hand-crafted breads that are made with wheat berries shipped from Montana and grinded on a 100-year-old grist mill. You can enjoy a healthy meal such as one of their award-winning soups, salads, sandwiches, or their famed baked goods, all of which are made with fresh ingredients. Choices that popular with patrons include the grilled French dip sandwich, the honey pecan chicken salad sandwich, and the pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

» Devito's Restaurant

Devito’s Restaurant is synonymous with good food, so come prepared to feast on fine Italian cuisine that is concocted by a fourth-generation Italian cook. Offering both carry-out and dine-in options, you’ll be able to choose from a number of items on their dinner menu. The Italian dinner entrees are made from age-old family recipes and include favorites such as spaghetti with Italian sausage, fettuccine alfredo, ravioli, and chicken parmesan. If you’re not in the mood for Italian, you can also try something from the several variations of rainbow trout such as homestyle fried trout, pesto trout, and trout amandine. Other options include prime rib, filet mignon, and calabash shrimp.

» Western Sizzlin

Western Sizzlin opened in 1982 to offer residents and visitors of Harrison sweet southern food that will hit the right spot each and every single time. The family-friendly environment is the perfect place to have a delicious meal; their diverse menu has over a dozen entrees and their renowned Flamekist steaks are grilled to perfection. If you can’t decide on what to order, then try a little bit of everything at their famous food bar buffet which has over a hundred items to fill your plate with. Proven to be one of Harrison’s best restaurants for authentic southern cuisine, make sure you stop by the award-winning Western Sizzlin while you’re there.